What is the difference between cell and strike mode available with the WX-500 and 950?

In cell mode Stormscopes detect lightning up to 200 nautical miles out and displays storm cell areas of greatest intensity. During periods of heavy electrical activity, cell mode can be used to identify a path that avoids thunderstorms. In strike mode the Stormscope detects and maps individual strikes aiding the identification of the beginnings of storms.

Can a Stormscope antenna be repainted?

Do not repaint any of the Stormscope antennas, they have been coated with a special conductive paint to inhibit the build-up of precipitation-static. The antenna is a critical part of the Stormscope system and repainting it could adversely affect the operation of your system. Use only factory supplied antenna gaskets, they are made of a conductive material. Any antenna that has been repainted is un-airworthy and should be scrapped.

How do I clean my Stormscope?

Never use cleaning solvents on the faceplate of the display or antenna. When cleaning the viewing face of the display wipe it with a damp lint free, static free cloth. If necessary clean with a soft cloth moistened with a mild solution of soap and water. Be especially careful when cleaning a WX-900 it has a LCD display with a anti glare coating that is easy to damage. Take care to prevent cleaning solution from running down inside the case. When cleaning the antenna use a soft cloth moistened with mild soap and water. Never use any type of polish or rubbing compound on the antenna it could damage the conductive paint and affect the operation of your system.

What is the difference between a repaired, remanufactured or overhauled Stormscope?

There is no approval process to overhaul or remanufacture Stormscopes, electronic parts do not undergo overhaul or remanufacture ... they either work or they don't. A FAA form 8130-3 for a used Stormscope processor or display should indicate that it has either been repaired or inspected (bench checked) and is being returned to service in serviceable condition. There is no approval process for repairing or repainting antennas... a 8130-3 for a used antenna should only indicate that it has been inspected and approved for return to service.

Does a Stormscope require periodic maintenance?

An annual checkout of the Stormscope system especially just before the thunderstorm season should be preformed by a qualified avionics shop with the factory recommended test equipment.

Which Stormscopes will interface with Multi Function Displays?

The WX-500 interfaces with most radar indicators using the RGC-350 radar graphics computer plus most popular MFD's including the following:

The Dynon SkyView will not currently interface with the WX-500 but there could be possible software udates from Dynon at some point. Your MFD may require a software upgrade to interface with the WX-500. The Argus moving map dispays are history with no factory support or database updates available.

Which models are currently in Production?The WX-500 and WX-1000 series plus the WX-950G ground station are currently in production. We do not recommend the WX-7, WX-8, WX-9,

WX-10, WX-11, WX-12 Stormscope series for new installations due to their age and lack of support.

What is the difference between the WX-1000 series displays?

The part numbers are 78-8051-9170-3 with black bezel (replaced by 78-8060-5900-8 or -9 in 1990), 78-8060-5900-8 black bezel, 78-8060-5900-9 gray bezel, 78-8060-5900-8 with black bezel WX-1000 / SKY497 and 78-8060-5900-9 gray bezel WX-1000 / SKY497. You can use any of these displays to display lighting data from any of the WX-1000 series processors. However if you are going to display Skywatch traffic you can only use the 78-8060-5900-8 or 78-8060-5900-9 display with the data plate that says Skywatch SKY497 and TSO-C113. If you have a 78-8051-9170-3 display that needs to be repaired exchange it with us and we will upgrade it to the 78-8060-5900-8 or 78-8060-5900-9 at no additional charge. NOTE: Even though the Stormscope & Skywatch displays have the same part number you can only use the display that has Skywatch SKY497 & TSO-C113 on the data plate if you are going to display Skywatch traffic.

What do the LEDs on front of the WX-1000 series processors indicate?

The green LED indicates system power is on.

The yellow LED indicates a failure detected by or in the processor power supply.

The red LED indicates faults detected by the system self-test. Once on this LED does not turn off until power is recycled.

If the yellow LED is illuminated both the display & processor should be bench tested together.